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A direct algorithm is suggested for the computation of a linear output feedback for a multi input, multi output system such that the resultant closed-loop matrix has eigenvalues that include a specified set of eigenvalues. The algorithm uses deflation based on unitary similarity transformations. Thus researchers hope the algorithm is numerically stable; however, this has not been proven as yet.
The performance of an optical system (for example, a telescope) is limited by the misalignments and manufacturing imperfections of the optical elements in the system. The impact of these misalignments and imperfections can be quantified by the phase variations imparted on light traveling through the system. Phase retrieval is a methodology for determining these variations. Phase retrieval uses images taken with the optical system and using a light source of known shape and characteristics. Unlike interferometric methods, which require an optical reference for comparison, and unlike Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors that require special optical hardware at the optical system's exit pupil, phase retrieval is an in situ, image-based method for determining the phase variations of light at the system s exit pupil. Phase retrieval can be used both as an optical metrology tool (during fabrication of optical surfaces and assembly of optical systems) and as a sensor used in active, closed-loop control of an optical system, to optimize performance. One class of phase-retrieval algorithms is the iterative transform algorithm (ITA). ITAs estimate the phase variations by iteratively enforcing known constraints in the exit pupil and at the detector, determined from modeled or measured data. The Variable Sampling Mapping (VSM) technique is a new method for enforcing these constraints in ITAs. VSM is an open framework for addressing a wide range of issues that have previously been considered detrimental to high-accuracy phase retrieval, including undersampled images, broadband illumination, images taken at or near best focus, chromatic aberrations, jitter or vibration of the optical system or detector, and dead or noisy detector pixels. The VSM is a model-to-data mapping procedure. In VSM, fully sampled electric fields at multiple wavelengths are modeled inside the phase-retrieval algorithm, and then these fields are mapped to intensities on the light detector, using the properties of the detector and optical system, for comparison with measured data. Ultimately, this model-to-data mapping procedure enables a more robust and accurate way of incorporating the exit-pupil and image detector constraints, which are fundamental to the general class of ITA phase retrieval algorithms.
A method and apparatus for determining the mass density of a moving filament is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a filament across two supports, tensioning the filament, inducing a vibration into the filament segment between the supports, reinforcing the vibration using an amplified feedback signal, detecting the vibrational frequency data, processing the data using a fast-fourier transform analysis, and then displaying the frequency. The use of the feedback signal results in a self-tuning resonant loop. Open loop versions may also be used. The apparatus includes a base supporting a fixed support and a transducer which in turn supports a moveable support. The transducer vibrates the moveable support transversely to the direction of travel of the filament, thereby inducing a transverse vibrational mode. The output of the transducer is amplified and used to drive a second amplifier to produce a self-tuning resonant loop. In the open loop version a signal generator is used to drive the transducer through a frequency range, during which the amplitude peak is identified.
A method and apparatus for determining the mass density of a moving filament is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a filament across two supports, tensioning the filament. inducing a vibration into the filament segment between the supports, reinforcing the vibration using an amplified feedback signal, detecting the vibrational frequency data. processing the data using a fast-fourier transform analysis. and then displaying the frequency. The use of the feedback signal results in a self-tuning resonant loop. Open loop versions may also be used. The apparatus includes a base supporting a fixed support and a transducer which in turn supports a moveable support. The transducer vibrates the moveable support transversely to the direction of travel of the filament, thereby inducing a transverse vibrational mode. The output of the transducer is amplified and used to drive a second amplifier to produce a self-tuning resonant loop. In the open loop version a signal generator is used to drive the transducer through a frequency range, during which the amplitude peak is identified.
New digital control algorithms were developed to achieve the desired acceleration transmissibility function. The attractive electromagnets have been taken as actuators. The relative displacement and the acceleration of the mass were used as feedback signals. Two approaches were developed to find that controller transfer function in Z-domain, which yields the desired transmissibility at each frequency. In the first approach, the controller transfer function is obtained by assuming that the desired transmissibility is known in Z-domain. Since the desired transmissibility H sub d(S) = 1/(tauS+1)(exp 2) is given in S-domain, the first task is to obtain the desired transmissibility in Z-domain. There are three methods to perform this task: bilinear transformation, and backward and forward rectangular rules. The bilinear transformation and backward rectangular rule lead to improper controller transfer functions, which are physically not realizable. The forward rectangular rule does lead to a physically realizable controller. However, this controller is found to be marginally stable because of a pole at Z=1. In order to eliminate this pole, a hybrid control structure is proposed. Here the control input is composed of two parts: analog and digital. The analog input simply represents the velocity (or the integral of acceleration) feedback; and the digital controller which uses only relative displacement signal, is then obtained to achieve the desired closed-loop transfer function. The stability analysis indicates that the controller transfer function is stable for typical values of sampling period. In the second approach, the aforementioned hybrid control structure is again used. First, an analog controller transfer function corresponding to relative displacement feedback is obtained to achieve the transmissibility as 1/(tauS+1)(exp 2). Then the transfer function for the digital control input is obtained by discretizing this analog controller transfer function via bilinear transformation. The stability of the resulting Z-domain closed loop system is analyzed. Also, the frequency response of the Z-domain closed-loop transfer function is determined to evaluate the performance of the control system.
A block diagram showing plant dynamics in normal mode coordinates, a linear feedback controller with command limits, and actuator dynamics with rate and displacement limits is given. The objective is to examine the effects of joint rate and displacement saturation limits on the stability regions. An unstable short period dynamic model is transformed into normal mode coordinates and is augmented with actuator dynamics. A linear feedback controller is used to provide closed-loop stability. The stability with constrained actuator rate limits under varying bandwidth, displacement and command limits is examined.
Active large angle slewing maneuvers of a multi-body flexible dynamic system are investigated. An appropriate state variable transformation and a feedback linearization technique are employed to transform the dynamics of the nonlinear system to a new state that is more amenable to control design procedures. Closed-loop feedback algorithms are implemented to perform slewing maneuvers, while simultaneously suppressing flexural vibrations of the system. Stability of this class of nonlinear systems is also investigated, whereby a sufficient condition for asymptotic stability of the system is established. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the proposed active control algorithms.
Limited experimental data exists for the specific core loss and dynamic B-H loops for soft magnetic materials for the combined conditions of high frequency and high temperature. This experimental study investigates the specific core loss and dynamic B-H characteristics of a nickel-iron crystalline magnetic alloy (Supermalloy) and two iron-based amorphous magnetic materials (Metglas 2605S-3A and Metglas 2605SC) over the frequency range of 1-50 kHz and temperature range of 23-300 C under sinusoidal voltage excitation. The effects of maximum magnetic flux density, frequency, and temperature on the specific core loss and on the size and shape of the B-H loops are examined. The Supermalloy and Metglass 2605S-3A and 2605SC data are used to compare the core loss of transformers with identical kVA and voltage ratings.
This paper describes an extended-image tracking technique based on the maximum likelihood estimation. The target image is assume to have a known profile covering more than one element of a focal plane detector array. It is assumed that the relative position between the imager and the target is changing with time and the received target image has each of its pixels disturbed by an independent additive white Gaussian noise. When a rotation-invariant movement between imager and target is considered, the maximum likelihood based image tracking technique described in this paper is a closed-loop structure capable of providing iterative update of the movement estimate by calculating the loop feedback signals from a weighted correlation between the currently received target image and the previously estimated reference image in the transform domain. The movement estimate is then used to direct the imager to closely follow the moving target. This image tracking technique has many potential applications, including free-space optical communications and astronomy where accurate and stabilized optical pointing is essential.
In support of aviation fuel burn and emission reduction goals, NASA is pursuing high-payoff research investments that promise to transform aviation. This includes investments in Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP). Multiple technology challenges must be addressed to unlock the full potential of EAP. This includes addressing challenges related to propulsion controls, which will be vital for ensuring efficient coordinated operation of EAP subsystems. This paper presents results from real-time hardware-in-theloop (HIL) testing of a control design for a single aisle partially-turboelectric aircraft propulsion concept conducted at the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) facility. The control system under test is designed for a propulsion concept consisting of two wing-mounted turbofan engines that produce thrust and generate electrical power to drive a boundary layer ingesting tailfan propulsor via an electrical motor. An integrated control strategy is applied to ensure coordinated operation of the turbofan and tailfan subsystems during steady-state and transient operation throughout the flight envelope. The NEAT test of this integrated control design consists of a partially HIL, partially simulated configuration. A subscale representation of the electrical system design is implemented in hardware and mechanically coupled to electric machines that emulate turbomachinery and propulsor shaft dynamics. The hardware configuration is then operated under the control of a real-time computer application that runs a simulation of the propulsion system and the developed control logic. The NEAT facility test campaign includes a series of experiments that subject the control design to throttle transients conducted throughout the flight envelope and full-flight mission profiles. Testing under simulated performance degradation is also conducted to evaluate control design robustness. This includes constant and abrupt changes in degradation levels. Results from the HIL test are presented and shown to be in good agreement with pretest simulation predictions demonstrating the efficacy of the integrated control design approach.
Main findings: 1) supplementing very dilute media for cultivation of CB with analogs of lunar or Martian regolith effectively supported the proliferation of CB; 2) O2 evolution by siderophilic cyanobacteria cultivated in diluted media but supplemented with iron-rich rocks was higher than O2 evolution by same strain in undiluted medium; 3) preliminary data suggest that organic acids produced by CB are involved in iron-rich mineral dissolution; 4) the CB studied can accumulate iron on and in their cells; 4) sequencing of the cyanobacterium JSC-1 genome revealed that this strain possesses molecular features which make it applicable for the cultivation in special photoreactors on Moon and Mars. Conclusion: As a result of pilot studies, we propose, to develop a concept for semi-closed integrated system that uses CB to extract useful elements to revitalize air and produce valuable biomolecules. Such a system could be the foundation of a self-sustaining extraterrestrial outpost (Hendrickx, De Wever et al., 2005; Handford, 2006). A potential advantage of a cyanobacterial photoreactor placed between LSS and ISRU loops is the possibility of supplying these systems with extracted elements and compounds from the regolith. In addition, waste regolith may be transformed into additional products such as methane, biomass, and organic and inorganic soil enrichment for the cultivation of higher plants.
Aircraft in oceanic and remote non-radar airspace frequently fly for extended periods of time in the same direction, at the same time, along similar flight paths as other aircraft. Since there is no radar surveillance, controllers use procedural separation to ensure that aircraft remain separated. Procedural separation distances are typically larger than radar separation distances and as a result aircraft operating in oceanic airspace are sometimes held at non-optimal flight levels due to conflicting traffic at intervening flight levels. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) In-Trail Procedures (ITP) were developed to enable flight level change maneuvers that would otherwise not be possible with current procedural separation standards. Aircraft operators choosing to equip with an ADS-B transceiver and an appropriate onboard decision support system would be able to take advantage of these procedures when operating in proximity to aircraft equipped with a suitable ADS-B transmitter (“ADS-B Out”). The ability to perform in-trail maneuvers to achieve more time at optimum altitudes could result in more efficient and predictable flight profiles thereby saving fuel and in some cases allowing operators to make beneficial operational decisions. NASA first began developing ADS-B ITP in 2003 as a result of a desire to develop methodologies, concepts, and procedures to reduce separation requirements for future air transportation systems using airborne ADS-B. The objectives were to provide insight into the details necessary to reduce separation requirements for the future and to develop applications that could provide incentives for operators to voluntarily equip with transformational technologies. From 2003 to 2008, NASA conducted research that supported the development of ITP including batch simulations, human-in-the-loop experiments and avionics and separation standards development. This research showed enough maturity and benefit that in 2008, the FAA Surveillance and Broadcast Services (SBS) program adopted ADS-B ITP as one of their three key, near-term applications to make use of ADS-B-In. The FAA developed an agreement with NASA to transition the technology and established an FAA project for the purpose of performing an operational trial of ADS-B ITP in revenue service in the summer of 2011. The objectives of the project are to a) validate the operational performance and economic benefits of ITP; and b) develop and validate ADS-B ITP Minimum Operational Performance Specifications (MOPS) material. As a part of this project, the FAA established agreements with United Airlines and Honeywell. The agreements include the work necessary for the development, certification and installation of onboard systems for twelve United Airlines 747-400s. ITP system development is nearly complete and certification activities are underway. The FAA project has also been working with Oakland Oceanic Control Center (ZOA) and the FAA’s Oceanic and Offshore Operations Office to develop controller procedures and safety analyses that are required to support the flight trial. The FAA has also been working on the development of an ITP Operational Specification that should be approved this April. The presentation will cover some of the key aspects of the development, challenges, and integration required to successfully transition ADS-B ITP from a concept in 2003 to flight trials in revenue service in 2011.
The author has identified the following significant results. The minimum entropy model may provide several useful advantages over traditional techniques for processing LANDSAT data. Total computer time to conduct a complete pattern recognition process is reduced. Subjective (transformed image), as well as statistically derived information is made available to the analyst/user much earlier in the analysis process. A rapid feedback loop in which numerous training set combinations can be tested for difference and representativeness is available. Additional tests of LANDSAT data processing using the minimum entropy model are clearly justified.
The operation of the BBA Real Time Combiner (RTC) is discussed and its performance investigated in detail. It is shown that each channel of the RTC can be modelled by a simple block diagram in the z-transform domain from which all pertinent transient and steady state behavioral characteristics can be determined. In particular, the characteristic equation of the tracking loop and its equivalent noise bandwidth are found and used to evaluate the closed loop transient response and steady-state mean squared timing jitter. The impact of the totality of these loop jitter contributions on the combiner output SNR is evaluated and illustrated numerically. These results show that for parameters of interest to various space missions, the RTC is capable of providing significant SNR improvement relative to a single receiving antenna.
The operation of the BBA Real Time Combiner (RTC) is discussed and its performance investigated in detail. It is shown that each channel of the RTC can be modelled by a simple block diagram in the z-transform domain from which all pertinent transient and steady state behavioral characteristics can be determined. In particular, the characteristic equation of the tracking loop and its equivalent noise bandwidth are found and used to evaluate the closed loop transient response and steady state mean squared timing jitter. The impact of the totality of these loop jitter contributions on the combiner output SNR is evaluated and illustrated numerically. These results show that for parameters of interest to various space missions, the RTC is capable of providing significant SNR improvement relative to a single receiving antenna.
The utility of vehicle math models extends beyond human-in-the-loop simulation. It is desirable to deploy a given model across a multitude of applications that target design, analysis, and research. However, the vehicle model alone represents an incomplete simulation. One must also replicate the environment models (e.g., atmosphere, gravity, terrain) to achieve identical vehicle behavior across all applications. Environment models are increasing in complexity and represent a substantial investment to re-engineer for a new application. A software component that can be rehosted in each application is one solution to the deployment problem. The component must encapsulate both the vehicle and environment models. The component must have a well-defined interface that abstracts the bulk of the logic to operate the models. This paper examines the characteristics of a rehostable modeling component from the perspective of a human-in-the-loop simulation framework. The Langley Standard Real-Time Simulation in C++ (LaSRS++) is used as an example. LaSRS++ was recently redesigned to transform its modeling package into a rehostable component.
Based upon new identities between z-transforms at a basis rate, z-transforms at faster rates, and modified z-transforms, the equivalence between the frequency decomposition method and the switch decomposition method is precisely presented so that results of one method are easily obtained from results of the other. Next, a method is developed for determining the closed loop transfer function of multiloop, multirate sampled-data systems with noninteger ratio sampling rates. Previously, this process involved solving a complex system of equations with rational polynomial coefficients. Herein, this is avoided by introducing a systematic decomposition of matrix operators which naturally arise from the switch decomposition method. The matrix operators are simplified by introducing the shifted transforms of signals sampled at one of the faster rates.
Report is announced which studied magnetic properties of candidate materials for use in spacecraft transformers, static inverters, converters, and transformer-rectifier power supplies. Included are material characteristics for available alloy compositions in tabular form, including: trade names, saturated flux density, dc coercive force, loop squareness, material density, and watts per pound at 3 KHz.